When Ryan Murphy‘s latest series All’s Fair was released on November 4, 2025, the drama had everything to be a streaming hit. With Kim Kardashian front and center, and award-winning actresses like Niecy Nash-Betts, Sarah Paulson and Glenn Close completing the cast, All’s Fair had the ingredients to not only be a great show, but one that would top the streaming charts for weeks after its release. But while the series, which earned an underwhelming 5% score on Rotten Tomatoes, did earn the top spot in streaming for a while, another series has already snatched the title worldwide. The Korean action series The Manipulated is now the #1 series on Hulu and Disney+ worldwide, and it’s a gripping must-watch.
What Is ‘The Manipulated’ About?
The Manipulated starts off by introducing Park Tae-jung (Ji Chang-wook), a humble delivery guy who’s working hard to earn money to make his dream of opening a café come true, while supporting his brother Tae-jin (Ahn Ji-ho) after their parents’ passing. He’s sweet, caring (especially to his girlfriend Song Su-ji (Pyo Ye-jin)), and with seemingly not a single evil bone in his body. But, one day, after a tiring shift of deliveries, he hears a phone ring in a convenience store, answers it, and follows the instructions from the supposed owner in order to return it and win a cash bounty in return.
The next day, however, his world turns upside down when the police break in and arrest him, accusing him of murdering and dismembering a woman in her 20s. Tae-jung has no idea what they’re talking about, and denies every claim, but none of it sticks. After years of hardship and abuse in prison, Tae-jung is released and investigates the murder himself in order to prove his innocence. He soon links it to a mysterious figure named Yo Han (Do Kyung-Soo), a powerful man who orchestrated it all. Now, Tae-jung is determined to make him pay for what he did.
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‘The Manipulated’ Brings an Exciting Twist to the Falsely Accused Trope
While stories of characters being falsely accused are no novelty in movies and TV, The Manipulated sets itself apart. After all, while Tae-jung is unjustly tied into a web of dark crimes and secrets by the hands of Yo Han, he isn’t a victim for long. After establishing his caring and endearing personality in Episode 1, the series sees Tae-jung’s journey as he’s fueled by anger and revenge, and follows him throughout it. By doing so, he goes from being the clueless and helpless victim, to a crime-fighting action star.
Plus, as Tae-jung embarks on his revenge mission, Chang-wook portrays him with authenticity and sensitivity throughout. When his life crumbles around him, viewers feel for him and his heartbreak, especially when he loses the two people most important to him. With that, viewers are even more gripped to see him get his revenge, and finally make Yo Han pay. Chang-wook portrayal of Tae-jung is hauntingly real, showing his pain, resilience and sheer anger all in one.
With such a gripping storyline, one that perfectly blends heart and suspense with heart-thumping action, The Manipulated has become Hulu and Disney+’s latest must-see drama. While All’s Fair had major Hollywood names to rely on for public attention, The Manipulated has managed to snag its #1 title with its fast-paced story and impressive acting. The series, which first aired on November 5, 2025, will surely continue to grip viewers until the finale on December 3.
- Release Date
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November 5, 2025
- Network
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Disney+
- Directors
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Kim Chang-ju
- Writers
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Oh Sang-ho
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Ji Chang-wook
Park Tae-jung
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Lee Kwang-soo
Baek Do-kyeong
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